Are Newspaper Endorsements Dead?
Is the era of newspaper endorsements nearing its end? James Brown dives into the recent decisions by major newspapers, such as the Washington Post and LA Times, to refrain from endorsing Kamala Harris, citing a desire for independence. He expresses a mix of relief and skepticism about this shift, arguing that the influence of opinion pages has diminished over time and that many readers are indifferent to endorsements. Brown believes that newspapers should prioritize unbiased reporting over political agendas, challenging the notion that endorsements significantly impact voter decisions. He invites listeners to reflect on the role of endorsements in journalism and to share their thoughts on whether they sway public opinion.
The podcast delves into the recent decision by major newspapers, including the Washington Post and LA Times, to refrain from endorsing political candidates, specifically Kamala Harris. James Brown articulates his mixed feelings about this shift, expressing relief that the era of newspaper endorsements might be fading, even though he disapproves of the manner in which it has come about. He underscores the idea that many readers are indifferent to the difference between opinion pages and the rest of the newspaper, suggesting that the editorial stance of a paper often fails to significantly influence public opinion or voting behavior. Brown argues that the historical significance of newspaper endorsements has waned over time, rendering them almost irrelevant in today's media landscape. He advocates for a focus on unbiased reporting rather than political agendas, emphasizing the need for newspapers to strengthen their core journalistic integrity.
Takeaways:
- The decline of newspaper endorsements may signal a shift towards journalistic independence and impartiality.
- Major newspapers like the Washington Post and LA Times are reevaluating their political endorsement practices.
- Many readers may not distinguish between editorial opinions and news reporting, which complicates journalistic credibility.
- The impact of newspaper endorsements on voter behavior seems minimal in contemporary political discourse.
- Some argue newspapers should focus on unbiased reporting rather than pushing specific political agendas.
- The reaction to the Washington Post's decision indicates a divide in public expectations of media.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Washington Post
- LA Times
- NPR
- Jeff Bezos
Transcript
Is this the end of newspaper endorsements?
James Brown:This is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:I don't like how it happened, but I'm glad it's stopping.
James Brown:What am I talking about?
James Brown:Major newspapers endorsing political candidates.
James Brown:Recently, two of the largest newspapers in America, the Washington Post and LA Times, decided not to endorse Kamala Harris.
James Brown:Their owners stepped in.
James Brown:The Post claims it's a return to being truly independent.
James Brown:I don't believe that, but hey, I don't own the paper.
James Brown:We'll see.
James Brown:NPR reports that 200,000 or so subscribers unsubscribed in protest.
James Brown:But I can't help but feel a bit relieved about it all in hope that this isn't a one off.
James Brown:I hate the notion of benevolent billionaires swooping in to save failing newspapers.
James Brown:They're treated like they're not just uber successful humans with incentives like the rest of us.
James Brown:But strangely enough, this happening might be the best thing that happens from it all.
James Brown:Let's be honest.
James Brown:We, and by that I mean most people, don't always know or care about the difference between opinion pages in the rest of the paper.
James Brown:That's an academic discussion that gets thrown around by media geeks like me and those who are in or aspire to be a certain class of society.
James Brown:And the force that these opinion pages once had has been blunted after decades of misuse.
James Brown:And let's face it, the wall between the editorial boards and the rest of the newsroom is paper thin.
James Brown:The bias in one often seeps into the other.
James Brown:That confusion hurts journalism's credibility, and it has for a very long time.
James Brown:Besides, my local paper has endorsed candidates for decades, and did anyone really care?
James Brown:Well, they did, back when we cared about the paper itself.
James Brown:That's why I think we should focus on strengthening the other 364 days or so of content.
James Brown:I think it's time for newspapers to focus on being unbiased about their reporting rather than pushing political agendas.
James Brown:Of course, not everybody agrees with me.
James Brown:Two to 200,000 or so people who unsubscribe from the Washington Post.
James Brown:Cool.
James Brown:By all means, leave.
James Brown:It's fine.
James Brown:You're not required to pay Jeff Bezos.
James Brown:In fact, he doesn't need your money or anyone else's money, and I doubt it'll hurt him at all.
James Brown:Maybe he will notice.
James Brown:But if you're this mad about the Post not telling you that you should vote for Kamala Harris, you should slow down, turn off MSNBC, and ask yourself, did you really need them to tell you who to vote for?
James Brown:I think you know the answer to that.
James Brown:And if your answer is yes, we don't need to worry about democracy dying in darkness because it's already dead.
James Brown:Here's my question for the rest of you.
James Brown:Do you think newspapers should endorse political candidates or should they stick to straight news?
James Brown:And when was the last time that a newspaper endorsement changed your vote?
James Brown:Am I totally wrong here?
James Brown:Let me know in the comments and support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.
